Myers-Briggs Personality Type: ISFP
"The Explorer"

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Do you fashion yourself a true artist, not just someone, who creates things that are safe and obvious? More specifically, are you more into using art to push the limits of societal ideals and beliefs? Also, do you like to “shake things up,” especially when it comes to beauty, beliefs, and behaviors? And, lastly, do you abhor being put into a “box?” If you answered “YES” to one or more of these questions, you most likely have an “explorer” type of personality. What is an “explorer” type of personality? Well, according to the Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator, it is an ISFP personality type. So, what is that? Well, an ISFP personality type is an artistic person, who loves to push the limits in life, at work, and with others.

If you are this personality type, you love to design, but you also love to challenge the norms through your creations. Your ultimate goal is to redefine the concept of “beauty,” and you hate-hate-hate being “boxed in.” What do people like most about you? Well, it’s your ability to brighten someone’s day. You have an amazing gift of softening the hearts of others (with your compliments and kind words), who want to criticize or question your choices. In addition, those around you may comment that you are “otherworldly,” and you are. More specifically, you live in a vibrant, sensual world that is inspired by the connections between the thoughts and behaviors of people. You probably enjoy reinterpreting these links, studying the connections, and offering new perspectives on them. You are the queen or king of experimentation. And, I bet you love-love-love spontaneity, which sometimes makes you come across as “flighty,” aloof, and/or unpredictable.

More Personality Types
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  INFJ (The Activist)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ISFJ (The Protector)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ENTJ (The Trail Blazer)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ISTJ (The Organizer)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ESTP (The Tycoon / Artisan Performer)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ESFP (The Artist)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ENFP (The Crusader)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  INTP (The Philosopher)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  INFP (The Referee)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ISFP (The Prodigy / Artisan Composer)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ENTP (The Devil's Advocate)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ENFJ (The Hero)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ESFJ (The Diplomat/Guardian)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ESTJ (The Manager)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ISTP (The Virtuoso/Artisan)
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A weakness – Although ISFPs are known for their passions, these characteristics can also be risky. How? Well, you are more prone to unsafe activities like gambling, drug abuse, addictions, and dangerous sports. In addition, you have a higher risk than most of becoming enraged when others criticize and belittle you. In other words, when you are challenged, it is more difficult for you (versus some of the other personality types) to “just walk away” or “turn the other cheek.” The good news – once you have cooled off, you are able to forgive and put the issue(s) to rest. In other words, you are able to move on and let bygones be bygones. ISFPs also enjoy connecting with others, and have a certain irresistible charm. You live in the moment, after all. A strength -You are extremely sensitive towards the feelings of others, which makes you an excellent friend and parent. You also value peace and harmony. Your biggest challenge? Planning for the future.

What does the abbreviation ISFP mean?

I - Introversion
S – Sensing
F - Feeling
P - Perception

How common is this personality type?

Approximately 5 to 10 percent of the general population has this personality type.

Do people with ISFP personalities do well at work?

Truthfully, it depends. It depends? On what? Well, it depends on whether or not ISFPs have the space to perform to the best of their abilities. Restrictive work environments that have a lot of rules, regulations, guidelines, and limitations do not really work for ISFP personality types. Why not? Well, because these individuals are spur-of-the-moment, charismatic, exciting people, who need a platform, where these awesome traits are fully appreciated and valued. When is an ISFP not productive? Well, when they are “boxed in” and when their bosses try to control them. This person does not function well in a work environment, in which his or her boss micromanages him or her. ISFPs hate that! But, at the same time, those with ISFP personalities are not particularly known for their concentration and focus –which makes them unpredictable at work. Remember, they like being spontaneous and flexible. So, bosses often get frustrated with them. Why? Well, because they tend to perform tasks using unconventional, sometimes risky, methods.

Rarely do ISFPs do things the same way as others. Regardless, they are known for getting their tasks completed on time. And, when given the “proper” work environments, these individuals are excellent workers, eager learners, and expert problem-solvers. They are especially good with people – helping co-workers and managers work through work-related issues. And, although most people like to be around this personality type, they tend to be more on the shy side. In fact, most people would probably describe these individuals as humble or timid. Why? Well, because they are often the first people to jump in and help people – without seeking recognition and praise. Don’t get me wrong, they like to feel appreciated, but they do not do things just to make others notice them. So, the best way to get ISFPs to be the most productive at work is to give them specific goals to accomplish and then the space to make it happen.

Do people with ISFP personalities have good relationships?

Truthfully, ISFPs typically have a hard time in relationship areas. Why? Well, because they tend to be guarded when it comes to their hearts. They are also mysterious and quiet, which makes it hard to get to know them. In addition, they are extremely emotional beings, who prefer to listen to others, rather than sharing their own issues and problems. When ISFPs do allow themselves to fall in love, they focus solely on the happiness and well-being of their partners, which sometimes causes them to neglect their own needs, wants, and feelings. Unfortunately, these characteristics can be quite annoying and frustrating to partners or potential partners, who want them to express more “feelings.”

However, if their partners allow them to be themselves, and accept them for who they are, the relationship can and will flourish. Just like in life, these individuals need space to grow and develop in the relationship. And, if their partners can accept that, ISFPs are loving, warm, charming, and enthusiastic partners. They are also spontaneous, so they need partners that love surprises, and are not afraid to just “pick up and go.” It is important for partners of ISFPs to understand that they are NOT long-term planners, so if something needs to be scheduled in advance, it is best they do it, because their partners will not.

As friends and parents, ISFPs are loyal and loving. They love-love-love to surprise their friends and children with gifts. And, they place their children first, above all else, so if their children are sick, they will cancel plans just to take care of them, and nurse them back to health. ISFPs love spending time with their partners, children, and friends, and they make every effort to let them know just how much they are loved and appreciated. ISFPs do things for others, not because they are expected to, but because they want to. They really care about their loved ones. They want them to know they can always depend on them. What hurts the feelings of an ISFP most of all? Not saying thank you.

What types of jobs are best suited for those with ISFP personalities?

ISFPs prefer spontaneity to structure, so they tend to excel a jobs that allow them to experiment and those that provide them with freedom. These individuals tend to be “trendsetters,” even though many do know see themselves that way. They also tend to be artistic, seeing the world through vibrantly colored lenses. In other words, they are unique, and typically see the world different from others. So, ISFPs tend to pursue jobs as designers, photographers, writers, musicians, actors/actresses, and/or painters/sculptors. Moreover, they tend to stay away from 9-to-5 jobs like administrative work (in a tiny, cramped cubicle). They also flourish in volunteer positons working with charities or building houses for those in need. Lastly, some enter the freelance world or act as consultants for companies.

Do any famous people have an ISFP personality?

​Yes! Listed below are respected ISFP personalities:

  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
  • Bob Dylan
  • Paul McCartney
  • Britney Spears
  • Marilyn Monroe
  • Michael Jackson
  • Kevin Costner
  • John Travolta
  • Fred Astaire
  • Elizabeth Taylor
  • Christopher Reeve
  • Donald Trump
  • Marie Antoinette
  • Ulysses S. Grant

References:

Cherry, K. (2015). ISFP. About Education. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/trait-theories-personality/a/isfp.htm

16 Personalities. (2015). ISFP Personality (“The Virtuoso”). Retrieved from http://www.16personalities.com/isfp-personality

OPP. (2015). ISFP: MBTI® personality profile. Retrieved from https://www.opp.com/en/tools/MBTI/MBTI-personality-types/ISFP

The Myers-Briggs Foundation. (2015). The 16 MBTI® types. Retrieved from http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16-mbti-types.htm
 
http://www.mbtilist.com/
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